Zimbabwe finds itself grappling with a persistent and alarming wave of armed robberies, with police recording a staggering 1,282 incidents in the past year. This figure, while representing a slight decrease from the 1,340 cases reported in 2024, remains unacceptably high, prompting a stern call for collective action from law enforcement and the private sector. Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, articulated this grave concern during his presentation at the Peace Security Company workshop in Harare, underscoring the evolving and increasingly ruthless nature of criminal enterprises within the nation.
Commissioner Nyathi’s analysis paints a stark picture:
“Analysis of these robbery cases shows that criminals are becoming increasingly organised, violent and sophisticated,” he stated. This sophistication is evident in their tactics, particularly the targeting of security guards, who are often the first line of defence. “In many incidents, security guards manning premises are the first targets. They are attacked, tied up, assaulted and in some cases fatally injured as criminals seek access to cash, safes, strong rooms and valuable commodities,” Comm Nyathi revealed. This brutal approach highlights a disturbing trend where violence is not merely a means to an end but an integral part of the robbery execution.
The business community, a vital pillar of the Zimbabwean economy, has not been spared from this escalating threat. The Commissioner reminded the nation of the tragic Mutangadura robbery case, where a prominent businessman lost his life. “The nation still remembers the Mutangadura robbery case in which a businessperson was killed by armed robbers. Such incidents highlight the dangers faced by business people when criminals suspect that business people are in possession of cash or valuables,” he emphasised. This particular incident, which occurred in August 2025, saw 67-year-old Joseph Mutangadura, owner of Mutangaz Hideout, Mutangaz Panyama, and Lisheen Estate in Ruwa, shot dead at his farm. A gang of approximately seven masked robbers, armed with pistols, claw bars, and hammers, overpowered a security guard, tied him up, and then broke into Mutangadura’s home. The businessman was shot in the stomach, and his wife was critically injured, with their safe found open. Several suspects, including Tariro Mutsamanye, Dexter Mugaro, and Given Mandizadza, have since been arrested in connection with this heinous crime.
Such incidents underscore the urgent need for proactive security measures. “Criminals are becoming increasingly ruthless in their operations, making it imperative for organisations to strengthen preventive measures rather than relying solely on reaction after an incident has occurred,” Comm Nyathi advised. This sentiment resonates deeply within a business landscape increasingly vulnerable to calculated and violent incursions.
Beyond armed robberies, the business sector is also contending with a surge in unlawful entry into premises. Criminals are systematically breaking into warehouses, factories, retail outlets, offices, and storage facilities, making off with cash, equipment, fuel, stock, raw materials, and other valuable assets. These crimes are frequently facilitated by inadequate security infrastructure, such as poor lighting, weak perimeter defences, defective alarm systems, or insufficient surveillance. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also continues to investigate a multitude of theft cases, including company funds, fuel pilferage, stock theft, mineral theft, and agricultural input theft, alongside various forms of internal fraud.
A particularly troubling aspect of the current crime wave is the pervasive involvement of “inside information.” Investigations have consistently revealed that many of these crimes, especially robberies, are masterminded with detailed knowledge of the victims’ operations. “Investigations have revealed that some of these crimes are facilitated by employees or former employees with access to sensitive operational information,” Comm Nyathi stated. He elaborated, “Criminals often possess detailed knowledge regarding cash holdings, banking schedules, payroll dates, security deployments, shift patterns, alarm systems and storage locations. Such information can only be obtained from individuals with direct or indirect access to organizational operations”. This alarming trend necessitates a rigorous re-evaluation of recruitment and vetting procedures within companies. “It is therefore critical for companies to strengthen recruitment and vetting procedures,” he urged.
The ZRP has highlighted several recent arrests that exemplify the organised nature of these criminal syndicates. In April 2025, Charles Dhokotera, Mayor Sibanda, Bothwell Kamwendo, and Trivolta Donald Matunhu were apprehended in connection with a series of robberies in Mhangura, Shamva, and Murewa. These criminals brazenly donned army camouflage and police uniforms, using rifles and pistols to attack a general dealer and cocktail bar owner, his family, and patrons in Murewa, stealing US$1,300 and seven cellphones. They were also linked to robberies at mines in Mhangura and Tafuna, where gold trapping mats, US$4,400, and gold were stolen. The police recovered a cache of items, including army uniforms, combat shoes, handcuffs, and various firearms, underscoring the military-style execution of their crimes.
In response to this escalating crisis, Commissioner Nyathi outlined several preventative measures and ongoing police efforts. He strongly advised businesses against keeping large amounts of cash on their premises unnecessarily. “Cash collections should be banked promptly and businesses are strongly encouraged to utilise professional Cash-In-Transit services whenever large sums of money are being moved,” he recommended. Furthermore, safeguarding sensitive financial information is paramount. “Details concerning cash holdings, payroll schedules, banking arrangements and cash movements should never be disclosed to unauthorised persons. We continue to encounter robbery cases where criminals appear to have had prior knowledge of the exact amount of money being transported, where it was being taken and the route being used,” he added.
Investment in modern security infrastructure is also a critical component of crime prevention. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police further encourages businesses to invest in modern security infrastructure. Effective alarm systems, CCTV surveillance, access control systems, perimeter lighting, secure fencing and properly trained security personnel remain critical components of crime prevention,” Comm Nyathi asserted. He stressed the importance of regularly testing these systems to ensure their functionality and effectiveness.
The ZRP remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment for businesses. The government’s continued support, through the provision of vehicles and motorcycles, has significantly enhanced police visibility, mobility, and response capabilities, enabling quicker attendance at crime scenes and more effective patrols. The police are also actively conducting crime awareness campaigns nationwide, educating communities and businesses on emerging crime trends and preventive measures. This proactive approach is complemented by strengthened intelligence-led policing, enhanced investigations, and close collaboration with private security companies and community structures. Commissioner Nyathi urged businesses to actively participate in Community Policing programmes and establish strong working relationships with their local police stations.
Beyond the immediate threat of armed robberies, Commissioner Nyathi also addressed the growing concern over the proliferation of dangerous drugs and illicit substances. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is equally concerned about the proliferation of dangerous drugs and illicit substances,” he stated. Criminal syndicates are exploiting transport networks to move illegal drugs across the country, often concealing them among legitimate cargo. While some transport operators may unknowingly facilitate these activities, others are deliberate participants. This necessitates rigorous due diligence from transport and logistics companies, including thorough consignment inspections and meticulous documentation, to avoid criminal liability and reputational damage.
Related to this is the alarming problem of illicit substance production. Police investigations have uncovered instances where business premises, warehouses, and industrial facilities are being used to manufacture illicit brews, circumventing health, safety, and licensing regulations. “Such activities endanger public health, undermine legitimate businesses and fuel criminal networks,” Comm Nyathi warned. Property owners and managers are therefore urged to closely monitor activities on their premises and report any suspicious operations to the police immediately. The commercial security sector is also encouraged to join forces with the police in combating these diverse criminal activities.
In conclusion, while the slight decrease in armed robbery cases from 1,340 in 2024 to 1,282 in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope, the overall crime landscape in Zimbabwe remains challenging. The ZRP recorded a staggering 310,876 total offences in the first quarter of 2025 alone, a 33.7 per cent increase from the previous quarter, indicating a broader rise in criminal activity. The sophistication and violence of armed robbers, coupled with the insidious role of inside information, demand a multi-faceted response. Through enhanced police operations, community engagement, and robust private sector security measures, Zimbabwe can hope to stem the tide of this growing crisis and restore a sense of security to its citizens and businesses.